The effects of heat-treatment parameters on corrosion resistance and phase transformations of 14Cr–3Mo martensitic stainless steel

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of heat-treatment parameters on corrosion resistance and phase transformation in relation to the dissolution and reprecipitation of carbides in 14Cr–3Mo martensitic stainless steel. It is observed that the austenitized specimen at the higher temperature has a lower martensitic start temperature (MS) when the cooling rate remains constant. The difference of MS becomes much bigger at the higher cooling rate. The corrosion resistance of the experimental alloy was found to be improved at higher austenitizing temperatures. However, it was deteriorated at the specific austenitizing temperatures of 1000 and 1050 °C when the cooling rate was 10 K/s. The deterioration of corrosion resistance was caused by the impaired balance between the matrix and the retained austenite.